Masterplug Smart EV Charger Showdown: Black IP55 or White IP65?

Display

Neither product is a display-led device, and neither listing provides a meaningful screen spec to compare. In practical terms, that means there is no advantage here for either charger based on visible interface quality. Both are positioned as smart Wi‑Fi EV wall chargers rather than units with a premium built-in display. Winner: tie.

Performance

On raw charging performance, these two are identical. Both are 7.4kW, 32A, single-phase Mode 3 chargers for Type 2 electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles, so the maximum home AC charging rate is the same. In UK terms, that means you can add roughly 25-30 miles of range per hour depending on the car, battery size, and charging efficiency. Both also support solar charging, which is valuable if you have daytime PV generation and want to reduce imports from the grid, especially when UK electricity prices can still make overnight charging and self-consumption worthwhile. Winner: tie.

Build quality and design

This is where the products start to separate. Product A is black and rated IP55, while Product B is white and rated IP65. IP65 is the stronger protection level, meaning Product B is better sealed against dust and water ingress and is the safer pick for exposed driveways, coastal locations, or installations with more direct weather exposure. Product A’s IP55 rating is still respectable for typical domestic installations, but it is less robust on paper. If your charger will live under a carport, in a garage, or in a relatively sheltered location, A is perfectly adequate; if it will face wind-driven rain and grime, B wins. Winner: Product B.

Battery life

Strictly speaking, wall chargers do not have battery life in the way portable power stations do, so there is no battery-capacity comparison to make. What matters instead is charging efficiency and how well the charger supports your vehicle and usage pattern. Because both units share the same 7.4kW output and solar charging capability, they should perform similarly in real-world energy use. For EV owners, the practical benefit is lower running cost, not battery longevity in the charger itself. Winner: tie.

Price and value for money

Product B is cheaper at £252.39, while Product A costs £276.59, making B £24.20 less expensive. That price gap matters because the two chargers otherwise look extremely similar on paper: same power rating, same Wi‑Fi, same solar charging support, same Mode 3 operation, and essentially the same customer rating at 4.3/5. Product B therefore offers the better value, especially since it also brings the stronger IP65 rating. In value terms, B is the standout: you pay less and get more weather protection. Winner: Product B.

Game library/features

There is no game library here, but if we translate this category into features, both chargers are evenly matched on the core smart charging functions. Each offers Type 2 compatibility, auto-lock, Wi‑Fi connectivity, single-phase 7.4kW charging, and solar charging support. The only meaningful feature distinction is the IP rating and the socketed/socket-only wording in the title, which may reflect different connector presentation or listing terminology rather than a functional advantage. Since both are aimed at the same use case, neither has a clear feature lead beyond Product B’s tougher enclosure. Winner: Product B, narrowly.

Overall user experience

Both products have almost identical user sentiment, with Product A rated 4.3/5 from 109 reviews and Product B rated 4.3/5 from 108 reviews. That suggests real-world satisfaction is broadly the same, so you should not expect a dramatic difference in app experience, charging reliability, or day-to-day usability. However, the better weather protection and lower price of Product B make it the more reassuring ownership choice for most UK households. If you want the simplest decision, B is the safer buy unless you specifically prefer the black finish or have a sheltered installation where IP55 is more than enough. Winner: Product B.

Overall summary: these are closely matched chargers, but Product B comes out ahead because it is cheaper and has the superior IP65 rating. Product A only makes sense if you specifically want the black finish and are happy to pay extra for a lower IP rating. For most buyers, Product B is the definitive choice.